The Mississippi RN · The Mississippi RN MISSISSIPPI NURSES ASSOCIATION The Mississippi Nurses...

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Vol. 71, No. 3 Fall 2009

The Mississippi RNMISSISSIPPI NURSES ASSOCIATION

The Mississippi Nurses Association is the voice of registered nurses in Mississippi and provides leadership to improve the health of all people.

Vol. 69, No. 3 Fall 2007Inside

Once-in-a-Life Time TrainingMNA joined with Homeland Security’s Center for Domestic Preparedness for a two-day free conference on disaster preparedness.

Page 8

Surviving with StyleThe Mississippi Nurses Foundation partnered with the American Cancer Society and Dillard’s to host a Surviving with Style luncheon and fashion show on June 12, 2009. Nearly 200 nurses and friends of nurses were present to honor cancer survivors and pay tribute to nurses and the care they provide.

Page 3

JOIN MNA NOW!

More than 300 registered nurses and 700 student nurses from across the state are expected to attend the 98th Mississippi Annual Nurses Association Convention Tuesday, Oct. 20-Friday, Oct. 23, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi.

The speaker and entertainment lineup at the 2009 Mississippi Nurses Association’s Annual Convention, Oct. 20-23 in Biloxi at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, is absolutely nothing to sneeze at, says Communication Doctor Susanne Gaddis, and when they say Mississippi nurses and student nurses–across all generations–move to the beat of a different drummer, they don’t know just how right they are!

The Mississippi Nurses Association has just completed another successful legislative session with the assistance of our lobbyist, Betty Dickson. This was one of the most unusual sessions in recent years with the final budget being approved only days from the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Two significant pieces of legislation to come out of the session included SB 3040, a bill to protect the title ‘nurse’. This bill amended the nurse practice act to prohibit anyone from identifying themselves as nurses unless they are registered nurses, licensed practical nurses or nurse aides.

This bill is the result of a three-year attempt by the Christian Science religion to amend the nurse practice act to include a caregiver identified as

The Mississippi Nurses Association and Foundation are hosting the fifth annual, Mississippi Nightingale Awards Gala on Monday, March 1, 2010, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Jackson. This prestigious black-tie event is the “academy award” honoring exceptional service in the nursing and healthcare industry across Mississippi. Nightingale Awards distinguish those men, women and organizations that have made a special effort to excel in the area of healthcare.

Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D., known as the Communications Doctor, will be the keynote speaker, at 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21. Gaddis recognizes there is an epidemic of unhealthy interactions in today’s society. The good news is that she shares prescriptions: easy and engaging tips and techniques that help foster a climate for positive, diplomatic and motivational communications.

MNA’s traditional party for members of the Mississippi Student Nurses Association, this year dubbed “Through the Generations” is set from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22 in the coliseum and will feature the incredible soulful sounds of The

One Strong Voice continued on page 9

One Strong VoiceMississippi Nurses Gather on Mississippi

Coast for 98th Annual Convention

Nurses Benefit from Another Successful Legislative Session

Christian Science nurse. MNA’s House of Delegates voted last October to join other states in passing legislation to protect the title ‘nurse’.

Another bill that captured attention in the nurse practitioner community was HB 1260, a bill allowing the Board of Nursing sole authority over regulation of nurse practitioners. Mississippi was one of four states with regulatory ties to the Board of Medical Licensure. Passage of HB 1260 removed joint promulgation of regulations. Effective July 1, 2009, the law will not require that the Board of Nursing and the Board of Medicine meet together to consider regulatory changes that affect NPs.

Nurses Benefit continued on page 5

Save the Date continued on page 3

Save the Date: 2010 Nightingale Awards Gala Scheduled March 1

The Nightingale Awards will recognize the following achievements:

• Nurse of the Year• Faculty Member of the Year• Nursing Educator of the Year• Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year• Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year• Nurse in Non-Traditional Setting of the Year• Nursing Administrator of the Year• Nurse Mentor of the Year

• Mississippi RN September, October, November 2009

have and the stronger the collaboration with our fellow health care organizations, the greater influence we will have. That influence will also impact our place in national decision-making as well. Because of our membership growth, MNA is now the number one non-union state nursing association in percentage of nurses who are members and number thirteen out of all state nursing associations.

I have been so impressed over the past five years with the level of leadership in the nursing community and the strong friendships and collaborations that have made some significant progress possible. By bringing together all specialties of nursing, educational backgrounds, and other health care providers and by keeping nursing issues before the policy makers and the public, we will continue to make a difference in the profession and in the health of the public. I hope you will join us in those efforts by becoming a member of MNA.

Board of Directors

PresidentPam Farris, RN, BSN, OCN

[email protected]

Vice PresidentCarl Mangum, RN, MSN, PhD(c), CHS, CVFF

[email protected]

Secretary TreasurerLinda Todd, RN, BS, MS Jeffrey Hallman, MSN, [email protected] jthallman@hospadmin. umsmed.edu

DirectorsCouncil on Nursing Education

Marilyn Ellis, MSN, [email protected]

Council on Health AffairsBess Blackwell, RN, MSN, CNA, BC

[email protected]

Council on Organizational AffairsAnn Barnes, BSN, RN

[email protected]

Council on Nursing ResearchLaura Schenk, PhD, RN, NNP-BC

[email protected]

Council on Nursing PracticeTearsanee Carlisle, RN, BSN, OCN, NP

[email protected]

Council on Advanced PracticeJackie Williams, MSN, [email protected]

MNA StaffExecutive Director LobbyistRicki Garrett, Ph.D. Betty Dickson

Events and Continuing Education CoordinatorAngela Weathersby

Finance Administrator/ Marketing/CommunicationsMembership Coordinator DirectorDeborah Norman Betty Ruth Hawkins

Administrative AssistantMyrna Lea

District Presidents

DNA 1 Diane BlanchardDNA 2 Melinda SillsDNA 5 Dan BurgessDNA 6 Terri GoreDNA 7 Miriam CabanaDNA 8 Ashley KrebsDNA 11 Joyce KeenDNA 12 Debbie HooverDNA 13 Sherry FranklinDNA 15 Christy SavellDNA 16 Maxine PuckettDNA 18 Mary SmithDNA 21 Melanie GrahamDNA 23 Michelle (Mimi) PixleyDNA 25 Mary WaldenDNA 28 Emily AshworthDNA 31 Jodi RussellDNA 32 Amanda Wilbourn

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement or approval by the Mississippi Nurses Association of products advertised, the advertisers, or the claims made. Rejection of an advertisement does not imply a product offered for advertising is without merit, or that the manufacturer lacks integrity, or that this association disapproves of the product or its use. MNA and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. shall not be held liable for any consequences resulting from purchase or use of an advertiser’s product. Articles appearing in this publication express the opinions of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect the views of staff, board, or membership of MNA or those of the national or local associations.

Advertising Rates Contact—Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., 517 Washington St., P.O. Box 216, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, 800-626-4081, [email protected]. The Mississippi RN and the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Responsibility for errors in advertising is limited to corrections in the next issue or refund of price of advertisement.

Executive Director’s Column

Ricki Garrett

by Ricki Garnett, Ph.D.

As we complete another year at the Mississippi Nurses Association and my fifth as your executive director, I wanted to share some thoughts with you both about MNA and the profession of nursing.

First of all, it is exciting to report that membership in MNA has grown another 9% this year with a total growth of 30% over the past five years. That growth is due to a number of factors, not least of all your recognition of the value of MNA and the role it plays in enhancing and protecting your profession. It is also due to the tremendous work of a very committed group of board members who have made membership growth a priority over the past five years and who have supported the staff in efforts to make that happen. And, finally, it is due to the hard work and dedication of some very talented staff members who have worked very hard to make the activities of the Mississippi Nurses Association more relevant, fun, and valuable and in connecting us better to the nurses that we serve. I hope that each of you will continue to see that relevance and encourage those nurses who are not members to join.

There is enormous strength in numbers and in a uniform message, and the more members we

September, October, November 2009 Mississippi RN •

The Mississippi Nurses Foundation partnered with the American Cancer Society and Dillard’s to host a Surviving with Style luncheon and fashion show on June 12, 2009. Nearly 200 nurses and friends of nurses were present to honor cancer survivors and pay tribute to nurses and the care they provide. “The event was successful in providing our friends, both businesses and individuals, an opportunity to develop further a community of those interested in assisting the Nurses Foundation with its vision of improving the quality of life for our citizens,” said MNF Executive Director Rosalyn Howard.

The luncheon and fashion show, designed to bring awareness to different kinds of cancers and the care that nurses provide to cancer patients, reunites nurses with cancer survivors to tell the story of how nurses care for patients from diagnosis to treatment and it will provide continuous hope and awareness to cancer.

Howard explained that Surviving with Style is a fundraiser for the Mississippi Nurses Foundation and the American Cancer Society. A portion of the proceeds will support the American Cancer Society in research and advocacy and the Mississippi Nurses Foundation in developing health and wellness prevention programs for citizens of Mississippi.

For more information on participating in or become a sponsor of the 2010 Surviving with Style, contact the Mississippi Nurses Foundation at (601) 898-0850 or email [email protected]

The Nurses and Survivors honored during this event are as follows:

Central Mississippi Medical CenterNurse Renida Dee

Survivor Georgia Branson

St. Dominic Health ServicesNurse Karen Walker

Survivor Sheryl Slaughter

Sonny G. Montgomery Veteran Memorial Hospital

Nurse Karen IngramSurvivor Fred AnglinNurse Cathy LandrySurvivor Tolly Payne

University of Mississippi Health CareNurse Wendy MosierSurvivor Ava Welborn

Nurse Sarah Elizabeth StamesSurvivor Felicia “FeFe” Briggs

Nurse Michelle PollaskaSurvivor Adam WhitelyNurse April WogomanSurvivor Jayln Tillman

Mississippi Nurses Foundation’s Surviving with Style Honors Nurses, Cancer Survivors

A special thank you to the Surviving with Style 2009 Committee for your dedication and commitment

Nurse Sherry Allen, Central Mississippi Medical Center

Jean Ann Bull, American Cancer Society

Nurse Michelle Burns, University of Mississippi Health Care

Beth Dixon, American Cancer SocietyNurse Tonja Hart,

University of Mississippi Health CareNurse Karen Ingram,

Sonny G. Montgomery Veterans Memorial HospitalJean Jones, Mississippi Nurses Foundation

Nurse Wendy Mosier, University of Mississippi Health Care

Nurse Amy Sharpe, St. Dominic Health ServicesNurse Stacy Spencer,

Central Mississippi Medical CenterPeggy Stansell, St. Dominic Health Services

Jimmie Wells, University of Mississippi Health Care

Thank you to all our sponsors for making Surviving with Style a success.SILVER SPONSORS

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LPCentral Mississippi Medical CenterSt. Dominic Health ServicesUniversity of Mississippi Health Care

BRONZE SPONSORSCapitol Resources, LLCMNA District 13Mississippi Hospital AssociationOncology Nursing SocietyCOPPER SPONSORSEliza Pillars Registered NursesAssociation of MississippiTheta Beta Chapter–Sigma Theta TauInternational

FRIENDS OF NURSING SPONSORSAcme Printing CompanyBrown Bottling CompanyNicholas KrausLakeland Yard & GardenPlants UnlimitedSterling Photography

• Nurse Rookie of the Year• School of Nursing of the Year• School of Nursing Administrator of the Year• Hospital of the Year (less than 100 beds)• Hospital of the Year (100 beds or more) • Nurse Employer of the Year (other than

hospital)• Community Service Nurse of the Year• Nurse Researcher of the Year• Mississippi Nurses Association Hall of Fame

AwardTickets are $60 per person or $550 for a table of

ten. It is not too soon to prepare your nominations and plan your reservations.

For more information, contact Jean Jones at the Mississippi Nurses Foundation at [email protected].

Save the Date continued from page 1

Donna Williams, Mary Walden and Earnest Ruth Agnew graduated with a DNP recently

from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. The three graduates are employed at Itawamba Community College in Tupelo.


When I was elected president of MNA in October, 2005, I did not realize the depth of the impact our association makes on the nursing profession statewide and nationally. It has been an awesome experience and the nurses in the state of Mississippi have an asset that many do not know about.

There have been many positive changes in nursing because of MNA, and it is a direct reflection on the MNA staff that is led by Dr. Ricki Garrett. Some of the things I am most proud are:

1. Nursing education’s $12,000 pay raise, plus additional educator positions at the schools of nursing

2. An increase in school nurses and an increase on the cap on reimbursement for national certification from 26 to 32 school nurses.

3. Hurricane Katrina relief which is still ongoing today. Also, Katherine Krause’s seminars, “Pathways to healing: exploring the resiliency of the MS Gulf Coast nurses following Katrina”.

4. The creation of the Nightingale Awards Gala, which has increased from 325 participants to over 600 and brought significant attention to the profession.

5. Johnson and Johnson Gala which raised approximately $250,000 for nursing scholarships and hurricane Katrina relief.

6. Instituting the administering of the CCHT examinations of the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission for the certification of Dialysis Technicians.

7. Nursing faculty shortage media campaign, “Saving Nurses Saves Lives” that has been a model for similar initiatives in other states.

8. Increased MNA’s budget to almost one million dollars along with a significant investment portfolio over the past five years, even during the economic crisis.

9. Added the Director of Advanced Nursing Practice to MNA’s Board of Directors.10. Increased advocacy of advanced practice nurses and all nurses, as well

as passage of a bill to eliminate joint promulgation of nurse practitioner regulations.

11. Strengthened relationships with the Board of Nursing, the Mississippi Hospital Association, legislators, and other constituencies.

12. Passage of the law protecting the title of nurse. This law prevents those who have not completed nursing school to be referred to as “nurse”.

At the national level, the Mississippi Nurses Association has set a precedent as being one of the best state associations in the American Nurses Association. We have set a high standard that the other state associations strive to achieve.

Dr. Garrett and the MNA staff will continue to strive for excellence and in doing so will continue to promote and improve the nursing profession.

The one thing we have to accomplish is to continue the membership growth of MNA. Since 2005 our membership has increased 30%, with a 9% increase just this year. With approximately 37,000 nurses and only 2091 members, we still have work to do.

My hope for the future of MNA is to continue the growth we have begun during my tenure with focusing on the relationships we have built with others that support the profession of nursing. Through Dr. Ricki Garrett, our executive director, the MNA staff and our lobbyist, Betty Dickson, we will continue to surpass all expectations.

I thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve as Mississippi Nurses Association’s President.

Pam

A Report from the President...

Pam Farris

One Journey with Many Destinations


However, with removal of joint promulgation, the Board of Medicine will be free to regulate physicians who collaborate with NPs. Senator Hob Bryan had the bill amended to include one year ‘reverter clause’. Should the Board of Medicine place restrictions such as ratios on physicians who work with NPs or other restrictive regulations, MNA can ask the legislature in 2010 to let the law revert to present language (go back to joint promulgation).

MNA will be attending Board of Medicine meetings, closely watching what impact this law will have on the practice of NPs.

The legislature set up a law that creates a study committee to look at mental health issues in Mississippi. There will be an advisory committee to assist legislators who comprise the joint committee. A registered nurse will be a part of that advisory group.

Several mental health bills came before the legislature, one of particular interest to nursing was SB 2016. That bill removes specific requirements for treatment plans by physicians or NPs and semiannually visits with physicians or NPs. This will be left up to the board to determine through the regulatory process. MNA had the bill amended to include the following language: Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the services of a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner in accordance with an established nurse practitioner-physician protocol.

However the bill has a one-year repealer and will be revisited during the 2010 session. This topic will also be on the table for the newly-created study committee.

Other bills of interest to nursing include: HB 150 to allow donation of blood by 16 year olds; HB 214 prohibits use of tanning beds by youths 14 years or younger without parental presence and permission in writing; HB 458 allows the practice of acupuncture and HB 578 allows reproduction of hospital records by electronic or digital means.

HB 722 requires hospitals to report burn injuries to the State Fire Marshall; HB 1447 improves the discharge process for premature infants; HB 1530 sets up a pilot program with the State Employees Health Plan to provide lap band surgery for obese clients.

MNA also lobbied successfully for $500,000 in funding for ONW to move the simulation lab project forward and to expand the current StudentMax project. The budget for the Board of Nursing was approved, and the number of school nurses was expanded.

Nurses Benefit continued from page 1

Are you or someone you know interested in rising as a nurse leader? If the answer is yes, the MNA invites you to participate in the 5th Annual Developing Nurse Leader Program at convention in October.

The mission of the Developing Nurse Leader (DNL) Program is to cultivate aspiring nurse leaders within MNA, employing agencies, and communities. This will be accomplished by providing registered nurses with knowledge and skills necessary to support leadership growth. The program will offer opportunity for involvement in general convention activities, as well as public speaking, group process interactions and one-on-one discussions.

The criteria for participation are:• The RN must be a member of MNA before

participating in the statewide program• The RN must have at least 6 months full time

nursing experience prior to convention• The RN must participate in the program at

convention in Biloxi, MS• The RN may self-identify or be chosen by

the employing agency because of his or her interest in professional leadership

Apply now for entry into the MNA Developing Nurse Leader Program 2009

• Each participant will be encouraged to attend workshops of his/her choice and attend the House of Delegate sessions during convention

• Each participant will be required to attend a 4 hour DNL session during convention that is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22

• Each participant will be required to present a 5–7 minute speech (topic to be determined) at the conclusion of the program, and a participant will be selected as the “Developing Nurse Leader” for the coming year. This individual will serve as the voice of developing leaders to the MNA Board for one year.

More information about the DNL program and the application process is on the MNA website at www.msnurses.org. Click on the “Events” link to read about the program, and to download the application packet. Feel free to contact Tonya Moore at [email protected] or by phone at 601-815-4241. The Deadline for submission of application forms is Sept. 26.

MNA Members Virginia Lee Cora, DSN, APRN-C and Amy Wallace Smith, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP were inducted as Fellows of the AANP (FAANP) on Saturday, June 20 during the AANP national conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The FAANP program was established in 2000 to recognize a limited number of nurse practitioner leaders who have made outstanding contributions to health care through nurse practitioner clinical practice, research, education, or policy.

Dr. Cora’s passion is care of older adults; her work is a series of “firsts” in Mississippi. As the first GNP licensed in Mississippi,

MNA Members Named a AANP Fellowsshe was the first NP in the UMMC Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, in Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Psychiatry clinics. She also was president of the National Conference of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners.

Cora’s commitment to advanced practice nursing education spans 20 years at three universities. She taught GNPs at Mississippi University for Women, then developed and taught gerontological NP curriculum at UMMC and Alcorn State University. Cora’s most significant contribution to the health care of older adults and persons with mental illnesses was initiating the Mississippi Educational Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing (in 2007, Mississippi had only 9 GNPs and 43 Psych NPs).

Dr. Smith will continue the tradition of contributing to the mission of the AANP and promoting the role of the nurse practitioner.

AANP represents the interests of the approximate 125,000 nurse practitioners around the country and continually advocates for the active role of nurse practitioners as providers of high-quality, cost-effective and personalized healthcare. Cora will continue the tradition of contributing to the mission of the AANP and promoting the role of the nurse practitioner. For more information about AANP, visit www.aanp.org.

In October 2011, the Mississippi Nurses Association (MNA) will celebrate one hundred years of its existence as the voice of the profession. An important part of this celebration will be the publication of the history of the association from its founding in Natchez in October 1911 to the present day.

The book will document the many ways in which the MNA has sought to serve the people of Mississippi while at the same time speaking for the nurses who provide this service. It will bring attention to the courageous and progressive leaders who combine idealism with a sound sense of the practical and who always keep in view the mission of the noble profession of nursing. Given the book’s emphasis on the work of the MNA, the book will mine the archives of the association, using other resources as necessary. In addition to text, the book will contain photographs with extensive captions and sidebars conveying important information that cannot be integrated smoothly into the narrative.

Though aspects of the achievements of the MNA are known to many in the profession, this recounting of one hundred years of history will make all nurses proud of the organization that represents them have and will serve as an enduring testimony to a rich legacy.

The history of the MNA is being prepared by Seetha Srinivasan, director emerita of the University Press of Mississippi.

MNA Looks to Commemorate Centennial with

Coffee Table Book

The listing on the Council on Advanced Practice members was incorrect in the last issue of The Mississippi RN. Here is a correct list of council members. We regret the error.

2009-2010 Members of the Council on Advance Practice

Jackie Williams, Director [email protected] Vail [email protected] Morrison [email protected] Harrell [email protected] George Murphy [email protected] Watkins [email protected] Johnson [email protected] Luther [email protected] Arnold [email protected] Smyth [email protected] Thornton [email protected] Carlisle [email protected] Ellis [email protected] Smith [email protected] Carol Thompson [email protected] Lisa Byrd [email protected] Hoover [email protected]

Correction on Advanced Practice Council Members

New Members for 2009–2011Teresa Stanford [email protected] Barbara Boss [email protected] Marti Jordon [email protected] Michele McLeod [email protected] Shelby Polk [email protected] Virginia Cora [email protected]

Special Representatives to APN from BON–not on the Council

Cathy Williamson [email protected] Linda Sullivan [email protected]

Virginia Lee Cora

Amy Wallace Smith


MNF Awards $48,000 in Nurses

Touch Lives Car Tag Stipends

The Mississippi Nurses Foundation awarded $48,000 in stipends through the Nurses Car Tag Program–Nurses Touch Lives.

The stipends were awarded to registered nurses and nursing students enrolled in an accredited associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral nursing program in Mississippi.

Recipients are required to sign a contract with the Mississippi Nurses Foundation to work as a full-time nurse in Mississippi within the first two years following completion of the program.

Stipend recipients for 2009–2010 include in the associate program–LaPorshia McBeth, East Central Community College and Daniel Munn, Mississippi University for Women; in the baccalaureate program–Nancy Ogendo and Anna Johnson, both from Mississippi University for Women; master’s program–Catherine Peters, Susan Rayner and Tonja Hart, all from University of Mississippi Medical Center; and in the doctoral program¨–Juanita Graham, University of Mississippi Medical Center.

MNF Announces Call for Entries, Deadlines for Scholarships

Georgia B. Hall Award of Excellence—$500.00Criteria:• Currently enrolled and in good academic

standing in a Mississippi public university BSN program at the junior or senior level;

• African American student;• Member of the Mississippi Students Nurses

Association;• Application and essay submitted by the

deadline date–October 1, 2009

Essay Requirements:• Addresses the topic: “My Role Model of

Excellence”;• Demonstrates how one person impacted your

life and decision to become a nurse;• Previously unpublished essay;• Limited to 3 pages–typed and double-spaced

on letter-sized paper;• Signature authorizing permission to publish

the essay.

Complete Application Must Include:Student information form;Essay;

Mississippi Nurses Foundation Scholarship–$1,000Criteria:• Admitted to a registered nursing program in

Mississippi;• Member of the Mississippi Association of

Student Nurses;• Possess strong academic performance; • Demonstrate leadership ability; • Write a 500-1000 word essay beginning

with the following sentence: The nursing profession will be better in the next decade, because my goals and ambitions include…

• Application and essay submitted by the deadline date–October 1, 2009 (up to four will be awarded)

Complete application must include:• student information form (contact the Nurses

Foundation);• essay;• official transcript (no copies);

• three (3) letters of support from faculty providing specific examples of:a) leadership potentialb) involvement in professional activitiesc) academic performance

Scholarly Writing Scholarship–$1,000Criteria:• Registered Nurse• Mississippi resident• Member of the Mississippi Nurses Association• Enrolled in a doctoral program in nursing or

a related area• Manuscript is publishable as submitted• Application and essay submitted by the

deadline date–Nov. 2.

Manuscript Requirements• Should be written on (1) one of the following

topics:a. report of nursing project/researchb. description of an innovative practice in

nursingc. scholarly essay related to nursing

• Must not have been previously published• Limited to 3,600 words, typed, double-spaced

on 8-1/2 x 11 bond paper (12-15 pages, not including references)

A complete application must include:• student information form • manuscript;• letter from the university verifying

enrollment as a doctoral student


The Mississippi Nurses Association presented a once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity for nurses to be trained by experts from the Center for Domestic Preparedness July 10 and 11 at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa in Florence, Ala.

“This was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for disaster responders,” said Mississippi Nurses Association Executive Director Ricki Garrett, Ph.D. “The CDP is the nation’s leader in disaster preparedness training. The conference offered eight hours of continuing education credit and focuses on four areas of training–decontamination, mass casualty response, survey and monitoring, and scene safety.”

The MNA Board of Directors provided the conference free of charge to MNA members and active members of out-of-state nursing associations or other professional associations such as EMTs, firefighters, and other emergency responders. MNA used hurricane relief funds to offset the cost for its members and members of other professional response associations.

“The stories and experiences of Mississippi nurses as first responders are chilling and inspiring.” said Garrett. “The state’s reliance on nurses in emergencies or disasters continues to grow. Each time there is a call, Mississippi nurses are among the first to answer. Preparation is the best defense we have in meeting the demands of a disaster.”

Course Manager John Moran and instructors Cathy Hinners, Dan O’Connor, Matt Lowery, Ricky Carroll and Pete Zekoff along with logistics staffers Bill Wooten and Josh Cofield brought the two-day, intensive, hands-on workshop for disaster responders, sponsored by Homeland Security’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP). Participation was limited to 60.

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), located in Anniston, Ala., is a federal training facility for delivery of high-quality, comprehensive preparedness training programs for the nation’s emergency responders. The CDP opened its doors as a training center for the nation’s emergency responders in June of 1998. Since that time, more than 390,000 emergency responders have participated in the multi-disciplinary training courses offered by the training center. CDP instructors each have a minimum of 10 years of required emergency responder experience before they are even considered for a position. Each instructor is carefully selected, based on experience, knowledge of the national response elements, and ability to teach.

MNA Teams with CDP to Train Nurses in Disaster Preparedness

Jessica L. Necaise, of Stennis Space Center, left, Instructor Ricky Carroll and Donna J. Bevier of Ocean Springs get directions how to indicate trouble once suited up in their hazmat suits.

Conference participants move a “victim” into position for the first steps in the decontamination process while instructor Dan O’Connor watches.

Conference participants move a “victim” through

the final steps in the decontamination

process while instructor Ricky Carroll directs the procedure.

Instructor Pete Zekoff, right, helps participant Christy Craft of Flowood prepare her mask to fit.

Sharon Upton of Oxford tags her triage

teddy bear with the appropriate information.

Instructor Cathy Hinners explains

how easy it is to acquire the

materials to make a pipe bomb.

Participants and instructors gather for a reception following the first day of training.

“We wanted to make sure our nurse responders have an opportunity to train with some of the nation’s best teachers and have all they need to protect their communities and feel confident and prepared,” said Garrett.

To learn more about the Center for Domestic Preparedness, visit http://cdp.dhs.gov or call 866-213-9553.


Record Players from Jackson, and a one-of-a-kind light show extravaganza. Tickets for “Through the Generations” party are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Completing the lineup at the MNA/MSAN joint session at 8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23 is internationally recognized drum circle facilitator, speaker, musician, clinician, and master teaching artist John Scalici. He brings his dynamic, powerful message of unity through rhythm to the session. He is a member of the Society for Arts in Healthcare and the Percussive Arts Society Recreational Music Making committee.

Register now for the convention or go online at www.msnurses.org for more information.

One Strong Voice: MNA 98th Annual Convention

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Two dynamic Pre-Convention Workshops: The pre-convention workshops, each providing 3.5 contact hours, will be offered simultaneously at the Beau Rivage conference area from 1-5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20. The first, Practice Issues and Legal Aspects of Nursing in Mississippi will be presented by Mississippi State Board of Nursing Executive Director Melinda Rush, DSN, FNP; Ann Ricks, RN, BSN; Brett Thompson, Esq.; and Latrina McClenton, RN, BSN, MPH. Rush and her team will focus on the legal aspects for nurses in today’s litigious environment. The second workshop, Nurse Training for Disaster Shelters, will be presented by Raylowni Branch, MSN, CNOR; and Lisa Byrd, Ph.D. The session will focus on Red Cross’ protocols in establishing and maintaining shelters during disasters.

Wednesday, Oct. 21

House of Delegates: The MNA House of Delegates will convene their one-day session at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. Delegates will vote on the MNA Board positions of: president, vice-president; director, Council on Nursing Education; director, Council on Organizational Affairs and three members of the Committee on Nominations. From 9 to 10 a.m., for one contact hour of continuing education, Melessa Phillips, M.D., will address the House and convention attendees wishing to participate. Her topic will be Evidence-Based Medicine.

Keynote Luncheon: Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D., known as the Communications Doctor will officially kickoff the 98th Mississippi Nurses Association’s annual convention with her high-energy keynote address, How to Communicate with Compassion, at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the Mississippi Coast Convention Center. Gaddis recognizes there is an epidemic of unhealthy interactions in today’s society.

Two Great Receptions: Both the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi schools of nursing will once again host receptions from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Beau Rivage Conference Area. All attendees are invited to join the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Nursing at their reception in Magnolia D and The University of Southern Mississippi reception in Magnolia B.

Thursday, Oct. 22

District Presidents’ Breakfast: The annual District President’s Breakfast at 7 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. The presidents will work on a plan and strategy for a 2010 statewide membership campaign.

MNA MarketPlace 2009: Pick up a gift for someone special (like yourself) at the MNA MarketPlace 2009! There will be new items and new ideas just for MNA nurses. Stop by and see what we have on hand.

Expo ’09: One of the major highlights of the convention will be the 2009 Expo Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center. The grand opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. Exhibitors

will be on hand to bring you the best the industry has to offer.

Expo ‘09 Grand Prize: Be sure to register for the Expo Grand Prize to be given away at 10:40 a.m. You must be present to win.

Poster Session: Also, on Thursday, Oct. 22, The MNA Council on Nursing Research, the MNA Provider Unit, and the Mississippi Nurses Foundation’s Research Committee will present the winners in the jointly sponsored poster session in the east lobby of the convention hall. The poster presentation session from 11 a.m. until noon will be provided with one contact hour of continuing education credit.

Virtual Dementia Tour: A new feature for this convention is the Virtual Dementia Tour presented by the Division of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia, Department of Mental Health and the Alzheimer’s Association. The tour, scheduled from Noon–4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 and from 9 a.m.–Noon, Friday, Oct. 23, offers a rare glimpse into the world of those living with dementia. Each one-hour session is limited to 24 participants.

Sigma Theta Tau: The Upsilon Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at William Carey University is the host chapter for this year’s luncheon featuring Carol Kneisl, RN. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased in advance. Sigma Theta Tau provides leadership and scholarship in practice, education and research to enhance the health of all people.

Developing Nurse Leader: The fifth annual MNA Developing Nurse Leader Program is scheduled from 1-5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22. The mission of the program is to cultivate aspiring nurse leaders within MNA, employing agencies, and communities by providing registered nurses with knowledge and skills necessary to support leadership growth.

MORA’s Roundtables: For the first time this year, the MNA convention will present a continuing education session featuring the experience and opinions of the participants in a roundtable discussion format. Pick one out of six topics for the 4-5 p.m. time slot on Thursday, Oct. 22. The roundtables are sponsored by MORA–Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency. Popcorn and wine will be served to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Refreshing Adult Beverages: Just to wind down the day, a short open bar will be set up just prior to the MNA/MASN Party. (No one under 21 will be served. IDs will be checked)

Laser Light Show: Don’t be a minute late or you’ll miss the brilliant, one-of-a-kind laser light show extravaganza at 5:30 p.m., to get things rolling and celebrate the first convention in the newly renovated Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.

MNA/MASN Party: Through the Generations: No one does music through the generations better than the Jackson-based cover band, The Record Players. The Record Players are stirring up quite a “heat wave” among partygoers with the fabulous tunes that defined Motown Records and those smooth sounds often heard on Soft Soul KIXI. They will headline the MNA/MASN party from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advanced and $20 at the door. MNA convention first-timers are admitted free with first-timer badge.

Friday, Oct. 23

Nurse Practitioners General Assembly: The Council on Advanced Practice will host a general assembly from 7 to 8 a.m., for all nurse practitioners. The council will give an update of activities and schedule events for the coming year.

MNA/MASN Joint Session: Stepping up the beat for the MNA/MASN joint session at 8 a.m., in the Mississippi Coast Convention Center will be internationally recognized drum circle facilitator John Scalici of Birmingham, Ala. Scalici is a speaker,

musician, clinician, and master teaching artist. He has brought his dynamic, uplifting programs to Asia as well as the United States. His powerful message, Unity through Rhythm, has been featured at college campuses, churches, corporate events, classrooms and throughout the health care industry.

Nurse Practitioners Controlled Substance Workshop: Dr. Robert Galli, M.D., will conduct the 2-hour Nurse Practitioner Controlled Substance Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. Galli is a professor and department chair and executive director of TelEmergency, S.A.N.E. at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine. He is medical director of AirCare Helicopter Transport.

One Strong Voice continued from page 1

Mississippi Nurses Association Convention 2009

Mississippi Nurses Association Convention 2009Keynote Speaker

The Communications Doctor on Keynote Call

HOW TO COMMUNICATE

WITH COMPASSION

Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D., known as the Communications Doctor will officially kickoff the 98th Mississippi Nurses Association’s annual convention with a high-energy keynote address at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the Mississippi Coast Convention Center.

Gaddis recognizes there is an epidemic of unhealthy interactions in today’s society. The good news is she shares prescriptions–easy and engaging tips and techniques that help foster a climate for positive, diplomatic and motivational communications.

“We are totally excited about Susanne being with us for the keynote lunch on Wednesday,” said Ann Barnes, BSN, RN, director of MNA’s Council on Organizational Affairs.

As a communications professor, motivational speaker, author and member of the National Speaker’s Association, Gaddis has taught the art of successful communication since 1989.

A recognized interpersonal communications expert, Susanne has appeared on nationally syndicated radio, TV and video programming and has authored articles appearing in: The Journal of Training and Development, The Whole American Nurse, The Healthcare Career Guide, Shape Magazine, The Handbook of Public Relations, Corporate Meeting Planner, Quick and Simple

Magazine, and on Microsoft’s Small Business Online.

Current clients, benefiting from Susanne’s solution-oriented tips, and techniques include NASA Johnson Space Center, The American Nurses Association, Oracle, SAS, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Shell Oil and Bayer.

Keynote SpeakerSusanne Gaddis, Ph.D.

The Communications Doctor

12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21(1.0 c/h)



Stepping up the beat for the MNA/MASN joint session at 8 a.m., in the Mississippi Coast Convention Center will be internationally recognized drum circle facilitator John Scalici of Birmingham, Ala.

Scalici is a speaker, musician, clinician, and master teaching artist. He has

brought his dynamic, uplifting programs to Asia as well as the United States. His powerful

MNA/MASN Joint Session Speaker

John Scalici

8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 23(2.0 c/h)

From left to right: Cedrick Eubanks (saxophone and flute); Akami Graham (background and lead vocals); Terrence Evans

(keyboard); Dexter Allen (lead vocals and lead guitar); Fred Robinson (bass guitar); Cherita Sade Brent (band leader and

drummer); and Lorenzo Gayden (trombone)

Mississippi Nurses Association Convention 2009MNA/MASN Joint Session Speaker

MNA/MASN Party: Through the Generations

THE RECORD PLAYERS

a bass guitarist who can talk through his music and a keyboardist who can walk the keys from A to Zinc—are guaranteed to keep your audience “stepping in the name of love” and partying to their unique sound from the first note to the last.

With a song list that spans music selections from the 50’s to the 2000’s, Everyone will have a great time. Flexibility, versatility, experience and above all, a trip through the generations!

More specifically—to get ya’ll on the dance floor, The Record Players will “make you wanna shout” through a generation of celebration.

And, don’t be a minute late or you’ll miss the brilliant, one-of-a-kind light show extravaganza to get things rolling.

It’s the musical equivalent of comfort food. Sometimes, you just want to hear it. You need to hear it. You have to hear it!

Soulful sounds and those unforgettable songs that you know by heart. We’re talking about music through the generations and no one does it better than The Record Players!

The Record Players are stirring up quite a “heat wave” among partygoers with the fabulous tunes that defined Motown Records and those smooth sounds often heard on Soft Soul KIXI. This sensational seven -piece musical group, with a front line consisting of two outstanding lead vocalists and one bad-to-the-bone little drummer girl, a horn section that will keep you on your feet,

MNA/MASN Partyfeaturing

The Record Players

5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22

Mississippi Nurses Association Convention 2009MNA/MASN Joint Session Speaker

Drum Circle Facilitator~John Scalici

APPROACHING LIFE ON THE UPBEAT

message, Unity through Rhythm, has been featured at college campuses, churches, corporate events, classrooms and throughout the health care industry.

His work with special needs groups has been featured nationally on the Hallmark C initiated rhythm-based programs at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind Children’s Health Services, and United Cerebral Palsy.

John is a member of the Society for Arts in Healthcare and the Percussive Arts Society Recreational Music Making committee.

In 2000, John founded Get Rhythm!®, a company which combines his passion for drumming with his background in communications. His company has presented dynamic rhythm-based

programs for YWCA, NBC Bank, National Association of Music Merchants, Children’s Health Services, Knowledge Learning Corporation, University of Alabama, Lynn University, Birmingham Museum of Art, Allstate Insurance, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Cancer Society, United Way, and many others.

Print and television media featuring John Scalici’s work includes: Making Music magazine, DRUM! magazine, The Hallmark Channel, and Southeastern Performer.

98th Convention Preliminary AgendaThe MNA Council on Nursing Education and

the Provider Unit has assembled a variety of knowledgeable speakers presenting 27.25 contact hours of continuing education in educational, psych, clinical, leadership, general, nurse practitioner and research tracks. Confirmed topics and speakers at press time include:

Tuesday, Oct. 20 Noon–5 p.m. Registration, Beau Rivage

Pre-Convention Workshops 1 p.m. 5 p.m. (3.5 c/h)

• Practice Issues and Legal Aspects of Nursing in Mississippi, Melinda Rush, DSN, FNP, Ann Ricks, RN, BSN, Brett Thompson, Esq., Latrina McClenton, RN, BSN, MPH

• Nurse Training for Disaster Shelters, Raylowni Branch, MSN, CNOR, and Lisa Byrd, Ph.D.

Wednesday, Oct. 217:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Registration

8 a.m.–Noon• MNA House of Delegates with Melessa

Phillips, M.D., speaking from 9–10 a.m., on Evidence-Based Medicine (1.0 c/h)

9–10:15 a.m. (1.25 c/h)• Can You Hear Me Now? Permitting Nursing

Students to Have a Voice in Determining the Final Course Grade, Rowena Elliott, Ph.D., MSN, BSN–Education Track

• Stress and Its Effect on Nurses, Elizabeth Duncan, RN, NP–Psych Track

• Professional Survival Skills, Sue DeLaune, MN, RN, NP–General Track

10:30 11:45 a.m. (1.25 c/h)• Enhanced Clinical Revenue for Improving

Patient Outcomes, Stanford Owen, M.D.–Clinical Track

• Challenges Facing the Future of Nursing Education: A Call for Strategic Planning, Sheila Davis, Ph.D.; Lindy Sill, RN, BSN, Ph.D. (c); Sherri Cantey, Ph.D. (c); Sharon McDonald, Ph.D. (c); Sheryl Allen, Ph.D. (c);

Agenda continued on page 11


Charlotte Gore, Ph.D. (c); and Wendy Buenzli, Ph.D. (c)–Clinical Track

12:15–2 p.m. (1.0 c/h)• Keynote Luncheon: How to Communicate

with Compassion, The Communication Doctor–Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D.

2:15–5 p.m. • House of Delegates Reconvenes

2:15–3:30 p.m. (1.25 c/h)• Alternative Therapies, Jenni Gallagher, RN,

MSN,FNP-C–Clinical Track

• Positive Psychology: Leading Your Best Life, Susanne Gaddis, Ph.D.–General Track

• Financial Strategies 101: Dollars and Sense Making the Most of Your Money, Culpepper Webb–General Track

3:45–5 p.m. (1.25 c/h)• Women Who Kill, Diane Blanchard PhD, RN,

CNS–Psych Track• Leadership Styles and Prepared Leaders,

Peggy Church, RN, BSN–General Track

• Mississippi Infant Mortality: Reduction Strategies for Nurses, Juanita Graham, RN, BSN–General Track

5:30–7:30 p.m. • University of Mississippi Medical School of

Nursing Alumni Reception, Magnolia Room D, Beau Rivage

• University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing Reception, Magnolia Room B, Beau Rivage

Thursday, Oct. 22 7–8 a.m., District Presidents’ Breakfast the Mississippi Coast Convention Center

7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration, the Mississippi Coast Convention Center

8–9 am (1.0 c/h)• Leadership, Evadna Lyons, Ph.D., RN–

Leadership Track

• Nursing Simulation, Russell King, MSN–Education/Clinical Track

• Mitochondrial Disease, Julie Manley, M.A.T.–Educational Track

9–11 a.m. Expo Hall Opens

11–Noon (1.0 c/h)• Council on Nursing Research Poster Session–

Research Track

Noon–1:15 p.m. (1.0 c/h)• Sigma Theta Tau Luncheon, featuring Carol

Kneisl, RN, sponsored by Upsilon Theta William Carey University, Tickets: $30 (May be purchased at the door)

Noon–3 p.m. • Expo Hall Open

Noon–4 p.m. (1.0 c/h limited to 24 participants per hour)

• Virtual Dementia Tour, Kathy Van Cleave, LMSW, LCMHT and Cindy Luther, DSN, FNP

1:15–5:15 p.m. (2.0 c/h)• Developing Nurse Leader Program, Tonya

Moore, MSN, RN–Leadership Track

1:30–2:30 p.m. (1.0 c/h)• Having a Green Practice, Patsy Smyth, DNS,

FNP–Clinical Track

• The Seven Core Principles for Achieving Financial Independence, Carl Snell, BS, CFP–General Track

• Expanding Domains of Nursing, Lindy Sills, BSN, RN and Janie Butts, DSN, RN–Clinical Track

1:30–3:30 p.m. (2.0 c/h)• Nursing Research, Michael Schenk, MSMI,

CMI(F) and Laura Schenk, Ph.D., RN, BC-NNP–Research Track

2:45–3:45 (1.0 c/h)• Resources for Uninsured, Christina Nunnally,

RN, MSN, FNP-BC–General Track

3–4 p.m. (1.0 c/h)• Consult vs. Referral and Incidents-to,

What You Need to Know, Jill Shaw RN, MSN,CPC,CCS-P–General Track

• The Nurses Role in Health Information Technology, Mary Helen Connor, BSN, MPH, CHES–Education Track

4 p.m.–5 p.m. (1.0 c/h)• Rude Behavior Management, Chris Lewis–

Clinical Track

• HPV, James Moore, M.D.

• Sponsored Roundtable–Pick One (Wine and popcorn served to create a relaxed

atmosphere)• Carl Snell, BS, CFP–Financial Planning• Lisa Byrd, Ph.D.–Entrepreneurship &

Contracting• Elizabeth Duncan, RN, NP–A Piece of

Peace: From Stress to Success• LaDonna Northington, DNS, RN, BC–

Developing Expert Clinical Preceptors• Jan Cooper, Ph.D., RN–Horizontal

Violence, Incivility, Bullying, and Joy Stealing–Just Say NO

• Barbara Boss, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, APN-BC–The Low Down on the DNP

5 p.m.–5:30 p.m. • Adult Refreshing Beverages (No one under 21

years of age will be served)

7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. (1 c/h)• Council on Advanced Practice Meeting

5:30–7:30 p.m. • The Generations, MNA/MASN Party featuring

the Jackson’s soulful cover band, The Record Players

Friday, Oct. 237–8 a.m., Nurse Practitioners General Assembly

7–8 a.m., Continental Breakfast

8–10 a.m., MNA/MASN Joint Session (2.0 c/h)• Get Rhythm, John Scalici

Nurse Practitioners Fall Workshop

7–8 a.m., Nurse Practitioner General Assembly

8–9 a.m. Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Exhibits

9–10:15 a.m. (1.25 c/h)• H1N1: What Can We Do For Our Patients,

Patsy Smyth, DNS, FNP–Clinical Track

• Genetic Screening for Breast and Ovarian Cancer, James Moore, M.D.–Clinical Track

• Osteoporosis, Cindy Luther, RN, DSN, FNP–Clinical Track

9 a.m.–Noon (1.0 c/h limited to 24 participants per hour)

• Virtual Dementia Tour, Kathy Vancleave, LMSW, LCMHT and Cindy Luther, DSN, FNP

10:45–Noon (1.25 c/h)• Alternative Therapies, Jenni Gallagher, RN,

MSN,FNP-C–Clinical Track

• Allergic Rhinitis, Michael Blaisse, M.D.–Clinical Track

• They’re Back: Resurgence of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Linda Sullivan, DSN–Peds Track

12:15–1:30 p.m. (1.25 c/h)• Litigation for Nurses, Mike Brand, Esq.

1:45–2:45 p.m. (1.0)• Managing Anxiety & Stress Across the Life

Span, Elizabeth Duncan, RN, NP–Psych Track

• CAD, W. Lane Edwards, MS, ARNP–Clinical Track

• Botox, Mike Smith, M.D.–Clinical Track

3:00–5:00 p.m. (2.0 c/h)• Nurse Practitioners Controlled Substance

Update, Robert Galli, M.D.–Nurse Practitioner Track

Agenda continued from page 10


Experience Dementia Through a Virtual

TourThe Virtual Dementia Tour presented by

the Division of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia, Department of Mental Health and the Alzheimer’s Association will offer a rare glimpse into the world of those living with dementia.

The tour, led by Kathy Van Cleave, LMSW, LCMHT, Division Director Mississippi Department of Mental Health Boswell Regional Center Magee and Cindy Luther, DSN, FNP, assistant professor and director, Geriatric and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Tracks at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing, will be conducted from Noon–4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 and from 9 a.m.–Noon, Friday, Oct. 23. Each one-hour session is limited to 24 participants.

The Division of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia, established in 1998, is responsible for the development and maintenance of programs and counseling for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Health Screening Available for the First Time at ConventionSafeHeart Health Screens, sponsored by the

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, offers the power of prevention to those who wish to be proactive about their cardiovascular health. One out of every two heart attack victims and four out of every five stroke victims has no apparent warning signs or symptoms. SafeHeart Health Screens can help change these statistics.

SafeHeart will offer high-quality, fast and painless cardiovascular disease screening tests during the MNA Convention for only $99 that assess for risk of heart attack, stroke and aneurysm. This information can be life-saving. If the screening tests show the presence of advanced disease, or the presence of early vascular disease, those tested will have the opportunity to manage more aggressively the risk.

Go to www.safehearthealthscreens.com to set up a screening during the MNA convention.



Running for officeThe House of Delegates fro the 98th Mississippi

Nurses Annual Convention will elect four offices and three appointees to the Committee on Nominations during their one-day session Wednesday, Oct. 21. The delegates will elect a president, vice president, and directors for the councils for Nursing Education and Organizational Affairs. Five candidates have declared for office. Nominations may also be made from the floor.

The following have announced their candidacies for the listed offices:

President. . . . . . . . . . . .Gayle Harrell, NP-C, CWCN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Schenk, Ph.D., RN, NNP-BC

Vice President . . . Carl Mangum, RN, MSN, PhD(c), CHS, CVFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Ellis, MSN, CANP

Director of the Council on Nursing Education . . . . . . . . . . . . Bettye Logan, BSN, MSN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Luther, DSN, FNP

Director of the Council on Organizational Affairs . . . . . . Ann Barnes, BSN, RN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy Forsythe, RNC

The MNA Board of Directors is comprised of 10 positions. Members serve alternating two-year terms. The president, vice president, directors of the Council on Nursing Education, Council on Organizational Affairs, and three members of the Committee on Nominations shall be elected at each odd year convention. The secretary, treasurer, directors of the Councils on Nursing Research, Health Affairs, and Nursing Practice shall be elected at each even-year convention.

There shall be a Committee on Nominations consisting of five (5) members, three (3) members who shall be elected as provided for in these bylaws, and two (2) members appointed by the Board of Directors. The member receiving the highest number of votes in the election will be the chairperson.

Candidates who have qualified include:

Position of President

Gayle Harrell, NP-C, CWCN

Bio: Gayle Harrell, NP-C, CWCN, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Wound Specialist. She received her BSN and MSN from the University of Mississippi School of Nursing. She is an active MNA member and presently sits on the MNF Board of Trustees. She was the MNA Treasurer for five years, has been an ANA

and MNA delegate, has been a presenter at the convention many times, and has served on many other committees. She has served on the Health Affairs Committee for thirteen years and join others in working with our lobbyist and legislators to promote and resolve nursing and health care issues at the Capitol. She has recently joined the Wound Management Group of Mississippi and is working at the Wound Care Clinic at River Oaks in Jackson.

Statement: Over the last 15 years, I have had the opportunity to work with MNA on the local and state level, and have seen the difference MNA has made in the nursing profession, individual nurses’ lives, and the health care of Mississippi. I am an active member of District 13; I have served as Treasurer for MNA for five years; have been an active member of the Advanced Practice Council; served as a delegate for MNA and ANA; and am presently as a board member of the Mississippi Nurses Foundation. The rapidly changing health care system will present many challenges and opportunities for the nurses of this state and I am confident my experiences provide me the qualifications to be the voice for you. I

am passionate about nursing, and nurses, and my respect for my colleagues and their efforts to serve the citizens of Mississippi gives me the determination to work for you, the members of MNA.

I would like the opportunity to continue to serve the nurses of Mississippi as President of MNA.

Laura Schenk, PhD., RN, NNP-BC

Bio: Laura Schenk serves as an Assistant Professor with an Associate Graduate Appointment at the University of Mississippi School of Nursing, where she has been employed since 1992. Laura was educated at the College of Saint Teresa (BS), the University of Mississippi School of Nursing (MSN,

CNNP) and the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing (PhD). She has served on the Public Affairs Committee for the Mississippi March of Dimes and is currently serving on the Closing the Gap Initiative on Infant Mortality with the Mississippi State Health Department. Laura has presented her research on national and international levels. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, as well as MNA. She has served MNA in the past on the Council on Nursing Research and as District 13 Legislative Chair.

Statement: My name is Laura K. Schenk. I am thrilled to be running for President of MNA this year. I presently serve as an Associate Professor with Graduate Appointment at the University Of Mississippi School Of Nursing where I have been employed since 1992.

I received my BS in nursing at the College Of St. Teresa in Winona, MN, a MSN at the University Of Mississippi School Of Nursing in nursing education and post masters as a neonatal nurse clinician in 1992 and 1994. I received a PHD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2005, was the recipient of the Rene Reeb Research Award in 2003-2004 and The Gilfoy Doctoral Candidate Scholarship in 2003. I am listed in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. My research focus has been mothers of extremely low birth weight infants.

While at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, I have served on many school and campus wide committees. I am currently involved with the UMHC Research and Quality Council and serve on the Pediatric sub council. I have an interest in Evidence Based Nursing and the translation of research to practice. Currently I teach nursing research on the undergraduate level. I have presented my research on both the national and international levels. I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and serve on their national scholarship committee, as well as a member of MNA and NLN. I have served MNA in the past on the Council on Nursing Research, and as the District 13 Legislative Chair, and currently I am serving a second term as Director of the Council on Nursing Research. I am a resident of Madison, Miss., a wife and mother of three and grandmother of three grandsons, along with being a nursing educator at the UMMC School of Nursing.

I am very pleased to have been a member of the MNA Board of Directors these past three years. MNA has lofty goals and the Board is moving in a forward growing direction. “I would like to continue to serve the MNA organization and support the momentum and be the president that supports Mississippi nurses.”

Position of Vice President

Carl Magnum, RN, MSN, PhD(c), CHS, CVFF

Bio: Carl Mangum lives in Byram and currently is an assistant professor and an Emergency Preparedness and Response Specialist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing. Carl serves as Team Commander for the

National Nurse Response Team (NNRT) for the Central United States. The NNRT is part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS.) Carl has a certification in Homeland Security and is a certified volunteer firefighter. He serves on the Mississippi State Citizen Corps Advisory Council and is a trainer fro Community Emergency

Response Teams (CERT.)Statement: Thank you for the honor you have

given me to serve as your Vice-President for the past two years. I am asking for your support for two more years. We have continued to grow here at MNA. As you know, we now rank first in the country on percentage of membership among non-union states. We want to keep this momentum going. A couple of items we are looking at include recruiting and retaining new graduates and getting better support for memberships through hospitals and clinics. We have some education to do about MNA and what we do. Of course, I always believe if we as individual members recruit one new member each year, that’s right MNA will double in size every year. Wow, what a problem to have.

I also want to continue the fiscal path that we are on. A growth in membership is always a plus in this area. During these tough economic times, MNA has been able to pay it’s bills, have great educational offerings, replace out dated equipment, have the largest convention in it’s history, a membership that values professional development and responsibility and still have money in the bank. These are just a few of the good news stories. I also want to keep the transparent way the board of MNA does business. An open door policy is the best way to do that business.

Again, thanks for the opportunity to serve the nurses of Mississippi. I appreciate the trust you have in me.

Marilyn Ellis, MSN, CANP

Bio: Marilyn Ellis is from Gulfport where she is employed by the Gulf Coast Veterans Healthcare System in Biloxi. She is an Adult Nurse Practitioner and has served MNA as Chair of the Provider Unit for several years. She has been active in the South Mississippi NP SIG group for many years. She was elected Director, Council on Nursing

Education in October 2005. She obtained her ADN from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA., and BSN from Northwestern Louisiana State University, Natchitoches, LA, and her MSN was from USM School of Nursing. She became a nurse practitioner through the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Marilyn has been active in continuing education activities through MNA for many years and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau. She was also a member of the American and Mississippi Association of Diabetes Educators. She was named MNA’s Nurse of the Year in 2004.

Statement: During the four years I have served as Director of the MNA Council on Nursing Education, I have had the privilege of participating in decisions that affect nursing and healthcare as Mississippi. As I complete my tenure with the Council on Nursing Education, I am eager to continue serving at the state level of our organization and anxious to be there as MNA and the Nursing Profession continue to advance.

I am running for the office of MNA Vice President which is responsible for membership. I am well prepared to serve MNA in this role. I have been a member of the MNA Board of Directors as Director of Nursing Education since 2005. As a Council Director, I am familiar with the needs and issues of nursing in the state. During this time, the

Carl Magnum

Gayle Harrell

Marilyn Ellis

House of Delegates continued on page 13

Laura Schenk


Amy Forsythe, RNC

Bio: Amy is currently employed at the University of Mississippi medical Center as a nurse practitioner in the Children’s Cancer Clinic. Previously, she worked in the UMC Bone Marrow Transplant Unit as an educator and staff nurse and in the UMC Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit as an inpatient nurse. Before joining UMC

in1998, Amy worked at Methodist Hospital in medical/surgical as an inpatient nurse. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing and the University Medical Center School of Nursing. She is a member of the Mississippi Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Oncology Nursing Society and NMADE–Nurses Making a Difference Everyday. In spring 2005, she was listed in Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She received the National Collegiate Nursing Award in February 2005. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau honor societies. She received the MNA Celebrating Nursing Award in October 2002. She is currently serving her third term as president of the MNA Convention and Planning Committee and has assisted with updating the bylaws for the Central Mississippi Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society.

Statement: I have loved participating for several years as a member of the MNA Convention Planning Committee (CPC). As CPC chairman, I have really been able to witness the selflessness, generosity and determined commitment to nursing that makes up the constitution of Mississippi nurses. Our nurses deserve to be publicly recognized for these characteristics, and one of my goals is to collaborate with the Nightingale Awards Committee to make sure that the event continues to be successful. My second goal is to continue contributing with the CPC members who work so hard to enhance each nurse’s convention. Third, I will work closely with the Resolutions Committee to help make each nurse’s voice heard. In addition, I will utilize my experience abiding by and amending bylaws in other organizations to assist the MNA Bylaws Committee. I would be honored if you would consider me for your next director, Council on Organizational Affairs.

knowledge in the policies and responsibilities of the Provider Unit. I have given financial support and personal time in support MNA.

I appreciate your support and I look forward to continuing to work with MNA.

Cindy Luther, DSN, FNP

Cindy Luther is an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing. She is the Director of the Geriatric NP and Psychiatric Mental Health NP programs at UMMC and serves as the PI for the HRSA grant that supports a state-wide collaborative program for geriatric and psychiatric mental health education,”

MECSAPN”. She has been a nurse educator for ten years, with experience in RN-BSN and graduate education. Dr. Luther practices as a FNP with Rush Health Systems in Meridian. Her clinical practice focuses on care of adults and their caregivers. She is nationally certified to interpret Bone Density tests and her clinical practice includes assessment and management of people with osteoporosis. Her dissertation research at The University of Alabama in Birmingham focused on health promotion behaviors of women at risk for osteoporosis; her role emphasis was Health Policy Analyst. Her preparation as a NP was achieved at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She earned the BSN and MSN at The University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Luther also maintains certification in Nursing Service Administration, and has experience in leadership roles including Chief Nursing Officer. She has been a member of MNA since 1977, and holds membership in GAPNA, AACN, and ACNP. She has served as President of District XVI and has served on several committees of MNA, including the Provider Unit and Health Affairs Committee. She served on the Board of Directors of MNA in the roles of Secretary and President. She is currently a member of the Advanced Practice Council. She represents MNA on the state’s Mental Health Advisory Committee and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association of Mississippi. Cindy and Jerald are the parents of three and grandparents of two granddaughters.

Position of Director, Council on Organizational Affairs

Ann Barnes, BSN, RN

Bio: Ann Barnes is president of Prime Care Nursing in Jackson, will serve as Director of the Council on Organizational Affairs. is president of Prime Care Nursing in Jackson. She has worked as an assistant administrator for the Sta-Home Health Agency, in marketing for South Mississippi Home Health and director of the

Oxford Health Care. She received a bachelor degree in nursing from the University Mississippi School of Nursing. Ann was selected as one of Mississippi 50 Leading Business Women in 2005 and is a graduate of the Leadership Jackson and Leadership Madison County programs. She has served as president of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

Statement: After serving my first term as a director, Council on Organizational Affairs, I know it is a position in which I am eager and well-prepared to serve again. Another term on MNA’s Board of Directors would be an honor.

It is my desire to give back to my profession. Nursing has been a wonderful career and to serve on the board affords me the opportunity to work for all nurses in our state. Your vote and support are important. If you have a specific question prior to election, please contact me, If elected I will work in any capacity needed for nurses in our state.

education agenda for both the annual convention and the spring NP Convention were enlarged, and the NP Convention itself was expanded to a regional meeting. Additionally, in 2008 the Provider Unit received ANCC recertification.

Prior to being elected to the Board of Directors, I served as Chair of the Provider Unit Chair from 2001 to 2005 and was a Provider Unit member from 1999 to the present. I also served as Education Co-chair for the South Mississippi NP SIG group. I had the honor of being selected as MNA Nurse of the Year in 2004.

I have over 30 years of nursing experience and have been a Nurse Practitioner since 1975. Much of my career has been with the Veterans Heath Care System, where I have experience in both clinical and management. I have much experience as chairperson of interdisciplinary task forces and committees as well as in program development, and as a change agent. In the quality assurance arena, I was designated Duchess of Diabetes, an award for facilitating medical center performance measure improvement. I live in Gulfport and have been on the front lines in the reconstruction of the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

MNA’s strengths come from its members. As MNA continues to grow, membership is its largest asset. As Vice President, I will bring to the office the tenacity and work ethic that I practiced as Education Council Director. I feel I will serve the organization well in meeting the challenges of 21st century nursing and the dynamic progress of MNA.

Position of Director, Council on Nursing Education

Bettye Logan, BSN, MSN

Bio: Bettye Logan is a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Green Tree Family Medical Clinic in Mt. Olive. She has also worked as a FNP in the Magee General Hospital and in the Hattiesburg Clinic. Bettye did her undergraduate work at the University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing and her graduate work at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of

Nursing and her post graduate work at USM. She is a member of the Prentiss Baptist Church and serves on multiple committees.

Bettye has 15 years experience as a MNA Provider Unit member or as chair. She started as a member of the committee in 1995, when she was continuing education coordinator for the Central Mississippi Nurse Practitioner Special Interest group. In 2001, she was appointed chair and then ran and was elected director, Council on Nursing Education. She was re-elected to a second term in 2003 and served until 2005. As provider Unit chair, she has successfully taken the association through two ANCC audits and is knowledgeable in the policies and responsibilities of the Provider Unit. Bettye has served MNA in various other positions including currently serving as secretary of District 7.

Bettye has successfully written grants through pharmaceutical companies and was a member of the board of directors when the current executive director was hired. She has supported MNA through a number of changes, and is a vocal advocate for NPs and RNs.

Statement: Hello. My name is Bettye Logan and I am running for the position of director, Council on Nursing Education. I have strong experience for this position, having served MNA for 15 years as either a member or chair of the Provider Unit and four years on the board as director of this council. Our committee has worked for years towards goals of the Council on Advanced Practice to expand their annual meetings into a regional meeting. I have worked hard to get qualified CE speakers for various topics which affect nurses on a daily basis. I have encouraged local NP participation as well as secured national speakers when possible. I am very


Bettye Logan

Ann Barnes

Cindy Luther

Amy Forsythe

House of Delegates continued from page 12

MORA Sponsors Roundtable Discussions

For the first time this year, the MNA convention will present a continuing education session featuring the experience and opinions of the participants in a roundtable discussion format.

Pick one out of six topics for the 4-5 p.m. time slot on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The roundtables are sponsored by MORA–Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency. Popcorn and wine will be served to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Topics include: • Financial Planning, Carl Snell, BS, CFP• Entrepreneurship & Contracting, Lisa Byrd,

Ph.D. • A Piece of Peace: From Stress to Success,

Elizabeth Duncan, RN, NP• Developing Expert Clinical Preceptors,

LaDonna Northington, DNS, RN, BC • Horizontal Violence, Incivility, Bullying, and

Joy Stealing–Just Say NO, Jan Cooper, Ph.D., RN

• The Low Down on the DNP, Barbara Boss, Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC, APN-BC



CE Calendar

Hypnosis TrainingSix (6) Sessions beginning November, 2008 thru October, 2010Alpha UniversityConrad Adams at 225-315-3001

Neonatal Resuscitation Provider Course Update (Dates of courses are pending. A letter will be sent with actual dates.)Magnolia Regional Health CenterDonna Dean at 662-293-1205 or [email protected]

The Surveyor’s Approach to Care Planning(Future dates to be finalized)The Healthcare Communicators, Inc.Rebecca Lynn White at 601-856-8775 or [email protected]

When & Where to Use V CodesSeptember 9, 2009PPS Plus SoftwareJennifer Warfield at 228-594-9660 or [email protected]

Oct 8, Dec 16, 2009Regency Hospital of JacksonCharlotte Dyess at 601-364-6269 or [email protected]

Introduction to OASIS-COctober 21, 2009PPS Plus SoftwareJennifer Warfield at 228-594-9660 or [email protected]

Pediatric Advances Life SupportOctober 24th; December 5th, 2009Regency Hospital of JacksonCharlotte Dyess at 601-364-6269 or [email protected]

OASIS-C: New Process ItemsNovember 12, 2009PPS Plus SoftwareJennifer Warfield at 228-594-9660 or [email protected]

PLATINUM SPONSOR; TOTE BAG SPONSOR; ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION SPONSOR

• MIssissippi Organ Recovery The Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency

(MORA) is again a proud sponsor of the Mississippi Nurses Association. MORA serves the greater part of the state of Mississippi providing organ and tissue donation options to families through our working relationship with hospitals we serve. With the support of nurses throughout the state, we have continued to see an increase in organ and tissue donation.

PLATINUM SPONSOR; MASN/MNA RECEPTION STAGE SPONSOR

• Delta State University The Delta State University Robert E. Smith

School of Nursing is proud to support MNA–the “ALL STAR” team for nurses in Mississippi, cheering together in ONE STRONG VOICE for better healthcare! Visit our website at www.nursing.deltastate.edu.

PLATINUM SPONSOR; BADGE SPONSOR• St. Dominic Hospital Providing exceptional healthcare services

is at the heart of St. Dominic’s Mission and ministry. St. Dominic’s offers a place where you are challenged in your field of expertise and an atmosphere where you are encouraged to learn, grow and broaden your abilities and career. Visit our website at www.stdom.com.

PLATINUM SPONSORS• Forrest General Hospital Forrest General Hospital, located in

Hattiesburg, MS is one of the leading medical centers in the South, and is located in one of the nation’s most livable cities! That’s why there’s no better place to build a successful career than Forrest General. Please visit our website at www.forrestgeneral.com.

• University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Nursing is continuing its 41 years of providing excellent nursing programs at the baccalaureate, masters and doctoral level of education. For more information, please contact Linda Baldwin (BSN information) at 601.266.5454 Rosalind Hawthorn (Graduate information) at 601-266-5457.

DIAMOND SPONSORS• All That Glitters All That Glitters/BeautiControl Cosmetics/

Southern Chick T-shirts—Come by our booth for the latest in sterling, crystal, fashion jewelry, handbags, and a cute nurse’s T-shirt from Southern Chick. BeautiControl Cosmetics has cutting-edge technology in their skin care and anti-aging products.

• Howard Medical Whether you are in the market for a

point-of-care cart, monitoring solutions or computing and charting solutions, Howard Medical offers a wide variety of health care equipment with customizable features to meet your specific needs.

• Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Memorial Hospital at Gulfport is proud

to sponsor MNA. Memorial serves the Mississippi Gulf Coast and offers a wide spectrum of positions from entry-level to highly specialized. To learn more, visit us online at www.gulfportmemorial.com call 228-867-4266.

• Mississippi Educational Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing

MECSAPN: Mississippi Educational Consortium for Specialized Advanced Practice Nursing offers graduate education to prepare Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners and Geriatric Nurse Practitioners. Universities participating include: Alcorn State University, Delta State University, Mississippi University for Women, The University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Students may take core courses at university of their choice; GNP and PMHNP content is delivered on-line by faculty of UMMC.

• Providence Hospital Providence Hospital is a 349-bed, full-service

medical/surgical facility, founded in 1854. A member of Ascension Health and Mobile’s most preferred hospital. Providence admits nearly 16,000 inpatients annually. Providence Hospital is the only Alabama affiliate of M.D Anderson Physician Network.®

• South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center

At South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss, the weight loss process does not begin or end with bariatric surgery. We work closely with our patients to assess their unique needs and develop approaches that are specifically tailored to work for them. We are located at 1124 Oakleigh Road in Ocean Springs, MS. For more information, please call us at (228) 872-7277.

• University Medical Center Nurse Recruitment

Recently named one of the “2009 Top Hospitals to Work For” by Nursing Professionals magazine, University of Mississippi Health Care offers a perfect balance for your career. As a nurse at UMHC, enjoy our commitment to patients, respect for learning, and empowerment to teach others. Experience the honor of being a valued member of our health care team. Learn. Care. Grow. It’s all waiting for you at UMHC. Visit our website at www.nurses.umc.edu or call a recruiter today at 601-815-7004.

• University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing

The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing welcomes you to the 2009 Mississippi Nurses Association Expo! The School of Nursing is excited to offer a variety of nursing programs, to include the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degree, in addition to continuing education courses. We invite you to explore information about our three-campuses-Jackson, Oxford, and Southhaven, Mississippi (Desoto Center). For any questions, or for more information about The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing programs, please check out our website at http://son.umc.edu, or contact the Student Recruiter either by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at 601-984.6262 (local) or 1-866-842-7575 (toll free).

• William Carey University The Joseph and Nancy Fail School of Nursing

is housed on the three campuses of William Carey University. The generic, RN-BSN, and MSN in Adult Health Nursing Education programs are offered in Hattiesburg, Biloxi and New Orleans. Call 1-800-962-5991 for more information.

MASN/MNA RECEPTION STAGE SPONSOR• Prescriptfit

Convention Sponsors continued from page 13

Thanks to Our 2009 Convention Sponsors SAFEHEART SPONSOR

• Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc.

VIRTUAL TOUR OF DEMENTIA• Alzheimer’s Association

EXHIBITORS Abbott PharmaceuticalsAssessment Technologies InstituteBaptist Health SystemsDelmar Cengage LearningEliza PillarsEmory University School of NursingEZ Way, Inc.Garden Park Medical CenterGideons InternationalGlitz & GlamourKare In Home Health ServicesLarken Laboratories, Inc.Mississippi State HospitalMississippi University for WomenMississippi Nurses FoundationNurses Preferred Auto Insurance PlanPrescriptFitPrime Care NursingRegency Hospital of JacksonSamford UniversitySouthern Healthcare Agency, Inc.U. S. Army Health CareU. S. NavyUniversity of South Alabama–College of Nursing


by Mary Helen Conner, MPH, BSN, CHES, Laura Cole, MBA, and

Charlotte A. Krebs, MA, CAE

From President Barack Obama to everyone across the country concerned about quality medical care, it appears that there is an increasing demand for the healthcare industry to go electronic. As nurses, we represent a large influential group to help with the transformation to health information technology nationwide. Although most industries including banks and even grocery stores have transitioned to electronic records, the medical community, for a variety of reasons, has been somewhat slower to move in that direction. Numerous efforts are underway to improve a system far too reliant on paper records. One such initiative aims to remove some of the barriers to participation in electronic health information exchange (HIE) technology by providing information and educational tools healthcare providers need to get connected electronically.

The Health Information Security & Privacy Collaboration (HISPC) Provider Education Toolkit (PET), launched in January 2009, focuses on safe, private and secure health information exchange technology for healthcare providers. The Provider Education Toolkit is the result of work completed by HISPC, a multi-year project launched in 2006 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The PET collaborative addresses issues pertinent to electronic health information exchange through multi-state collaboration. Participating states include Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Tennessee. The collaborative is working with medical and nursing associations, societies, and consumer-oriented organizations. The Web-based toolkit found at www.secure4health.org provides information on electronic health information exchange (HIE), health information technology and related privacy and security implications as well as tools and resources to help healthcare providers get connected electronically.

Health Information Security and Privacy Collaboration Provider Education Toolkit

Ricki Garrett, PhD, executive director of the Mississippi Nurses Association (MNA), stated at a recent nurse practitioner conference in Olive Branch, “I am very interested in making sure that nurse practitioners and nurses are included in educational initiatives related to health information technology. Nurses are in a strategic position to support the move to and benefit from the electronic exchange of health information.”

Nurse practitioners and nurses can take advantage of free continuing medical education (CME) credits while learning more about privacy related to electronic health information exchange and electronic health record systems. The two CME courses offered have been designated for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The boards of nursing in many states recognize Category 1 continuing medical education courses as acceptable activities for the renewal of licenses to practice nursing. Nurses need to check with the Board of Nursing in their state concerning state specific regulations.

The Provider Education Toolkit is designed to:• Introduce healthcare providers to the benefits of

electronic health information exchange (HIE);• Increase provider awareness of the privacy and

security benefits and challenges of electronic HIE;

• Motivate providers to understand the advantages of electronic HIE;

• Identify the steps to HIE implementation; and• Encourage participation in HIE.David C. Kibbe, MD, serves as senior advisor for

the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Center for Health Information Technology. “As a long-time advocate, I know health information technology has the potential to offer real-time information at the point of care and greater privacy and security protections,” said Dr. Kibbe. “After years of commitment to health information technology, I firmly believe that it offers healthcare providers the opportunity to make better clinical decisions, avoid duplication and medical errors,

and aid in the prevention of certain diseases and conditions.”

Kentucky Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo is a practicing surgeon and a strong proponent of secure health information exchange and electronic health record systems. He joins Dr. Kibbe in encouraging healthcare providers, especially those in rural areas, to engage in health information exchange, “Health information technology is the first thing on the list and the only thing on the horizon that will both significantly improve the quality of healthcare and decrease healthcare costs.”

Dr. Barbara Baker, a Kentucky-based nurse practitioner and policy analyst for the state, noted the importance of health information technology to nurses, “Health Information Technology is the foundation that will provide the tools to help achieve excellence in the delivery of nursing care in all settings—patient’s home, physician office, or at the bedside in a hospital. Health information technology promises to decrease medication errors, which are common in a paper-based system.”

Educational elements from the PET toolkit garnered a great deal of interest from registrants at Missouri’s 19th Annual Coming Together in Advanced Practice Conference held in Columbia in April 2009. “We have a number of advanced practice and other nurses in our state who have pursued training in health informatics,” noted Jill Kliethermes, APRN, BC, FNP, chief executive officer of the Missouri Nurses Association (MoNA). “These professionals are often tasked by health systems, large and small, with the process of customizing a vendor-provided system to meet the clinical and operational needs of the practice. We believe nurses are central to the effective implementation and utilization of health information technology.”

Additional information about the Provider Educational Toolkit is available at the national Web site www.Secure4Health.org.

Deadline Approaches for ANA 2009 National Awards

It is time to recognize nurses who have made significant contributions to the profession of nursing. The Committee on Honorary Awards is seeking nominees for the ANA National Awards Program, which will bestow 14 national awards to be celebrated during the June 2010 House of Delegates in Washington, DC. Please take a moment to think about your colleagues who exemplify the special qualities recognized by these awards.

A copy of the 2009 ANA National Awards Program Call for Awards Nominations brochure can be downloaded from the ANA Web site, www.nursingworld.org/awards.

The brochure provides awards criteria nomination forms, a checklist for Individual nominee packet, information on what constitutes a complete nominee packet, who can nominate individuals for the awards, contact information for questions and submissions.

Please share this brochure with those who request information about the awards.

The deadline for receipt of complete nominee packets is Sept. 18.

If you have any questions about the awards program, please contact Debra Evans, Senior Governance Specialist in the Leadership Services department at (301) 628-5037 (E-mail: [email protected]).

Tips for a Submitting a Strong Awards Nomination Packet• Update and re-submit previously submitted

nomination packets.• Ensure that each nominee meets all of the

appropriate award criteria. • Ensure that letters of support and/or print

validations of a nominee’s contributions and achievements accurately describe a nominee’s leadership, contributions, impact and achievements in patient care, the nursing profession, public health and/or health services, and/or advancement of gender/ethnic/racial minority groups in nursing. Letters of support and/or print validations should be sent to the Official Submitters* of complete nominee packets.

• Look at the list of previous award winners for some idea about the kinds of persons who win the award for which you wish to make a nomination.

• Solicit required letters of support from persons who are relatively senior and well known in the ANA and/or profession where applicable.

• Provide individuals offering to write letters in support of your candidate with a copy of the award criteria and the award description to help them frame their letters.

• Choose supporting materials with care so that those materials are directly relevant to the contributions for which the candidate is being nominated.

• Emphasize the quality and aptness of the nomination materials and their implicit illustration of the award criteria.

• Answer each item on the appropriate nomination form.

• Use bullets to discretely and clearly describe how each nominee’s achievements or contributions meet a specific award criterion.

• Think carefully about the award criteria and make sure that the response presents clearly and specifically why the candidate is being nominated and what he/she has accomplished that is outstanding.

• Check each nominee packet for completeness and accuracy. A complete nominee packet consists of the following: a completed 2010 nomination form for a specific honorary award; a current curriculum vitae (CV) which includes a nominee’s education, experience and leadership activities and contributions at the national, state and district levels. For deceased nominees, the most recent CV should be submitted; and a completed National Awards Program ChecklistSubmit nominations electronically. If unable to

submit electronically, use a mail service with tracking capabilities to ensure that all complete nominations are received by ANA by September 18. There are no exceptions to this deadline.

Please note that previously submitted nomination packets may be updated and re-submitted.

September, October, November 2009 Mississippi RN • Page 17

The Board of Directors of the American Nurses Association (ANA) takes great pride in announcing that Marla J. Weston, PhD, RN has been named chief executive officer (CEO), effective June 14, 2009. As CEO, Weston will be responsible for providing visionary, strategic, and progressive leadership for the ANA enterprise. In her new role, Weston will also serve as CEO of the American Nurses Foundation, the research, education, and charitable arm of ANA.

“In making the selection of Marla J. Weston, Ph.D., RN as ANA CEO, the board has provided ANA’s diverse membership with a proven visionary nurse leader with stellar experience as a critical care nurse, hospital administrator, educator Constituent Member Association (CMA) executive director, and—most recently—a federal government official who possesses a unique mix of in-depth knowledge both of the nursing profession and of the association,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “I am confident that Weston’s impressive professional experience and dedication will be invaluable assets not only to ANA and the members we serve, but to the nursing profession as a whole.”

Prior to joining ANA, Weston gained extensive senior management experience in both large and small health care organizations. Since September 2008, she has served as deputy chief officer of the Workforce Management and Consulting Office at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. Weston brought innovative leadership to the policies, programs, and initiatives that supported the employees who provide high-quality health care to veterans in all Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) facilities across the country.

Weston named Chief Executive Officer for the American Nurses Association

Additionally, Weston’s background includes being named as program director, workforce development, Office of Nursing Services, also at the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this key leadership role, she was responsible for improving the overall work environment for VA nurses, retaining and rewarding a skilled workforce, and improving the image of nursing while promoting nursing as an attractive career choice through collaboration with external partners.

“For nearly 30 years, I have had the honor of successfully working in leadership positions with boards, committees, and volunteers at the national, international, and local levels. It has been possible to build long-term, collegial relationships with many nursing leaders, government officials, and hospital, university, and community college administrators to advocate for programs and practices that support recruitment and retention, leadership development, diversity, quality improvement and program development. I look forward to bringing these skills to bear as CEO at ANA on behalf of the profession and the public we serve,” said Weston.

Weston held the position of executive director at the Arizona Nurses Association, a constituent member association of ANA located in Tempe, Arizona. For over four years, she led the statewide

professional association for registered nurses, with duties that included managing and coordinating staff and volunteer programs to promote and advocate for professional nursing practice on a state and national level. During her tenure, the organization’s membership and revenues dramatically increased, including increased contributions to the Arizona Nurses Foundation.

In addition to her membership in ANA, the Center for American Nurses, and the Arizona and Virginia nurses associations, Weston is a member of the American Colleges of Healthcare Executives, the American Organization for Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau.

Weston earned a bachelor of science in nursing from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master of science in Nursing from Arizona State University, and a doctorate in Nursing from the University of Arizona.

Marla Weston

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